Beach & Island

South Molle Island

📍 South Molle Island, Whitsundays QLD 4803, Australia

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4.2/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location: Australia, Airlie Beach
Category: Beach & Island
Duration: Half day
Ticket Price: The island is national park and requires a pass; boat fares and activities are separate
Address: South Molle Island, Whitsundays QLD 4803, Australia
Coordinates: -20.5770, 148.9220

Introduction

South Molle Island is part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park, lying between Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island, and is known for its rolling hills, network of walking tracks and several quiet bays. The tracks climb to a number of lookouts over Whitsunday waters and the outlines of neighbouring islands, and the fringing coral and shallows suit snorkelling. It was once one of the busier resort islands in the group, but the resort has remained closed since Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017, and the island is now mostly visited on day trips for walking and snorkelling. Access is by licensed operator vessels, so confirm whether trips are running and which areas are open.

✨ Highlights

Walking tracks and lookouts

A network of tracks climbs to several hilltop lookouts over Whitsunday waters and neighbouring islands.

Quiet bays and snorkelling

Several uncrowded bays have fringing coral and clear shallows good for snorkelling.

A national park island

The whole island is part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park, with native vegetation, wildlife and little development.

Visited mainly on day trips

The resort has been closed since the 2017 cyclone, so the island is now mostly seen on day trips for walking and snorkelling.

🛈 Practical Info

→Time needed：About 4–6 hours on a day trip

→Best season：The dry season (May–October) brings calmer seas and clearer water for snorkelling and walking

→Gear：There are no facilities on the island — bring water, sun protection, snorkelling gear and rain cover

→Ticket Information：The island is national park and requires a pass; boat fares and activities are separate

→Transportation：By licensed operator vessel, usually from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island

💡 Tips

• The resort has long been closed and there are no shops or food on the island — bring your own water and supplies.

• Confirm the operator's route and which areas are open before travelling; some sections may be restricted.

• The dry season gives calmer seas and better snorkelling; the wet season is changeable.

• Some tracks are grassy and unpaved — wear grippy shoes and watch the sun.

FAQ

How much is the admission for South Molle Island?

The island is national park and requires a pass; boat fares and activities are separate

Any practical tips for visiting South Molle Island?

The resort has long been closed and there are no shops or food on the island — bring your own water and supplies. Confirm the operator's route and which areas are open before travelling; some sections may be restricted.